COMPUTER ESSENTIALS
access, hold, extract, machine, program, enter, permanently, processes, read, plug, electronic
A computer is an electronic ______that accepts, processes, stores and outputs information. A computer system consists of software (a set of instructions, called a______) and hardware (mechanical and ______parts). Hardware further comprises CPU ( a microprocessor chip which ______data), the main memory, which ______the instructions and data which are being processes, and peripherals. The main memory has two main sections: RAM (random ______memory) and ROM (______only memory). Peripherals include: input devices, output devices and storage devices. Input devices let us ______data and commands. Output devices let us ______the results (e.g. the monitor and the printer). Storage devices which are used to store information ______are hard disks and DVD-RW drives. At the back of a computer there are ports into which we can ______external devices (a scanner, a modem, etc.)
1 / A mainframe / a / is a tiny computer which can be held in one hand. For input, there is a small keyboard or you use a stylus with a touch screen. Some models incorporate handwriting recognition or voice recognition.2 / A desktop PC / b / is the most powerful type of computer which supports multiple users at the same time.
3 / A laptop or notebook PC / c / runs on batteries and is worn on the user’s body.
4 / A tablet PC / d / is a lightweight computer which comes with a touchpad, battery packs, now with aTFT screen and USB ports for connecting peripherals.
5 / A PDA / e / has its own CPU, monitor and keyboard and is designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case – a tower.
6 / A wearable computer / f / looks like a book with an LCD screen on which you can write. You can fold and rotate the screen 180 degrees. It’s mobile.
INPUT DEVICES are: keyboard, mouse, joystick, digital camera, webcam, scanner, microphone, graphics tablet, touch screen, lightpen, barcode reader, touchpad, trackball.
Which would you use
a) to play computer games
b) to send live video images via the Internet
c) to copy images from paper into a computer
d) to read price labels in a shop
e) to select text and click on links on web pages
f) to enter drawings and sketches into a computer
g) to input voice commands and dictate text
h) to draw pictures or select menu options directly on the screen
i) to take and store pictures and then download them to a computer
ICT SYSTEMS
(from E. M. Fabré and Esteras S. R. (2007) Professional English in Use, ICT. Cambridge, CUP)
ICT systems are classified according to their aim. There are three types of systems:
- an information system
- a control system
- a communication system
An information system is used to manage data and information about something.
A control system is used to control the different devices (e.g. sensors that detect smoke and set off the alarms)
A communication system are designed for sending data between different devices. (e.g. the Internet, a mobile phone network, digital television).
Most of the devices used in ICT systems are multi-purpose. For example, the Internet enables users to exchange files, send emails and surf the Web to find information.
Define the following systems:
- the registration system of a university
- a robot at a car assembly line
- an unmanned spaceship
- a radio network
- a video conferencing system
- call centres
Find the word in the text which defines:
- something (tool, building, system, etc) that can be used for many different purposes
- something that can function without a person controlling it
- the act of recording names and details on an official list
- an office where people answer customers' questions, make sales etc by using the telephone
- a system in a factory in which the products move past a line of workers who each make or check one part
Fill in the gaps using: smoke, crossing, devices, lights, lines, alarms
This system is very useful as it is used to control______which can, for example, turn ______on and off in an empty home as a security measure, it can detect ______, set off the ______or open and shut gates at an unmanned railway ______. It can also control robotic arms used at assembly______in the automobile industry.
Which system is the text about?
What are the benefits and what are the drawbacks of replacing people with computers?
Think of: costs, efficiency, staff, communication, lesser-skilled people, jobs, technology dependence.